'If you see the house I grew up in, I was like, ‘I’ve just got to make it better’' - Kendrick Perkins knew he had to make it big for his grandparents

While many NBA players achieve success and lose sight of the responsibility to secure their wealth for their loved ones or fail to lead by example, Kendrick Perkins was different. From an early age, "Big Perk" was determined not only to make it big but to use his success to provide the most comfortable life possible for the people who raised him - his grandparents.

Perkins suffered tragedy early in his life

Born in 1984 to Kenneth Perkins and Ercell Minix, Kendrick endured a turbulent childhood. His father left the family to play basketball overseas, leaving him without paternal support. Tragedy struck again when his mother was shot in the neck by a close friend during an argument at a beauty salon. Eventually, she was placed on life support for six days before passing away. This devastating loss left five-year-old Perk without either parent, forcing him to move in with his grandparents - Raymond and Mary Lewis.

Living with his grandparents brought its own challenges, as they struggled to make ends meet. Though they endured severe poverty, it only shaped the 6'10" forward's resilience and drive. Ultimately, he channeled these hardships into a determination to provide a better life for the people who made ultimate sacrifices for him.

"Grew up in a very poor household," Perkins said. "We ended up making it work…. I grew up and my whole goal… was not only to make it to the NBA but I just had it on my mind to get my grandparents out of this situation. If you see the house I grew up in, I was like, 'I've just got to make it better for my family.'"

Perkins made it big for his loved ones

"Swamp Thang's" basketball journey began at Ozen High School, where he led his team to four consecutive district titles and a state championship. More notably, in his senior year, he averaged an impressive 27.5 points, 16.4 rebounds, and 7.8 blocks per game, showcasing his dominance on the court.

Aware of his family's financial struggles, he skipped college and entered the NBA straight out of high school, prioritizing an early start to his professional career.

Though he may never have become a No. 1 option for any of the four franchises he represented, his presence as a defensive anchor and enforcer made him deserving of having an NBA championship registered against his name. While he earned $57 million in salaries alone during his playing days, he also used his acumen to become a successful analyst.

It's safe to say that Perkins still works intensely hard to make each wish of his loved ones come true.